Forklift fishing...

There was an accident on the dock last week, which unfortunately culminated in one of our two forklifts coming to rest on the ocean floor. Thankfully no one was hurt, and that must remain our main focus at this time.

The very next day a large crane arrived to fish out our forklift. It was quite the process, involving our divers and deck hands, as well as the outside contract workers. But after a couple of hours our waterlogged forklift appeared from the murky depths of Freetown's natural harbour.

Here are some photos from the morning's events.

The forklift being lowered back onto the dock.

The damage is clearly visible...

... As is the mud from Freetown's seafloor!

University Trek...

This past Tuesday, after work, I joined a friend in hiking up to the University, perched high above Cline Town (a suburb of Freetown) and the harbour. It was a pretty steep climb, but the view at the top was fantastic. We could see all the way across the river to Targrin Ferry Terminal and the airport at Lungi. It made me appreciate more the bustling city of Freetown and the kaleidoscope of colour that one finds here. It made me appreciate more being able to serve here with Mercy Ships.

Looking down towards the port area - the Africa Mercy is towards the left of shot.

This is Kissi Dockyard below, and the point jutting out across the bay is Targrin Ferry Terminal.

Close-up of the Africa Mercy.

Yep, down there and just out of shot on the left is my home!

Sunset from Targrin...

I went across the river to the airport last Monday and on the trip back we were treated to a spectacular sunset. Waiting onboard the ferry at Targrin Ferry Terminal, the whole sky turned red as the sun slipped beneath the waves of the Atlantic. I love it when God treats us to such awesome displays of beauty!

The colours were beautiful.

I love the reflection in the waters of the Atlantic.

Cable-layer 'Ile De Sein'

I have always been fascinated by interesting ships that sail the waters of the world, and one of these vessels pulled into Freetown yesterday (Thursday) morning. The French cable-layer Ile De Sein sailed into Sierra Leone's natural harbour and is here to work on the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) fibre-optic underwater telecommunications system. I may be wrong so feel free to correct me. :-)

This ship is perhaps more well-known in recent times for its role in recovering the flight data recorders, bodies, and other wreckage from the doomed flight AF 447. Air France flight AF 447 crashed in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean on its way from Brazil to France in June 2009, with the loss of 228 lives. The wreckage was only discovered earlier this year.

Sierra Ferry M/V Bai Bureh sails past Ile De Sein on its journey to Government Wharf, Freetown.

Oops!

There were a number of accidents on the road that leads down to the entrance of the port this past week. Working ports - with large container stackers (TEREX machines) and countless trucks - can be dangerous places. This truck misjudged where the edge of the tarmac ended and tipped into a trench, badly damaging the cab and causing some traffic chaos when the container was removed. It was a good reminder that we do live in a commercial port and need to be aware of the hazards located with such an area.

The container was removed with the help of a TEREX machine, and the wall has already been rebuilt.

Cape Sierra Leone...

This past Friday I went and visited Brussels Airlines in Aberdeen on purser business. On my drive home I decided to visit the Cape Sierra Leone Lighthouse - one of West Africa's oldest lighthouses, having originally been built in 1812. Having grown up in an area of the world known alternatively as the Cape of Storms and the Cape of Good Hope, it is perhaps not surprising that I've always had a deep fascination with the hazards of the sea and the lighthouses that watch these treacherous waters.

Cape Sierra Leone Lighthouse is an impressive structure that guards the entry of Sierra Leone's natural harbour, on the northern tip of Freetown's peninsula. I was told by my guide that the light is currently functional and that there are a couple of lighthouse keepers on duty. But I have also read that the lighthouse doesn't have glass in the lens of the light, and that the only warning to mariners is a static red light that shines out to sea from the top of the tower. When I'm next over at Aberdeen at night I'll drive down and see which story is true.

The road to the lighthouse.

Looking from the lighthouse in the direction of Hotel Barmoi.

View towards Lungi.

Man Of War Bay, Aberdeen.

Close-up of the top of the tower.

Mercy Ships Team House...

Not every Mercy Shipper in Sierra Leone lives on the Africa Mercy. As we did in Togo, here in Sierra Leone we have on Off-Ship Programmes team who live a stone's throw from the centre of Freetown. They are involved with the Food for Life programme (agriculture and training individuals in sustainable farming practices) and construction projects - such as sanitation and latrine-building - throughout the city and surrounding areas. The Off-Ships team also play host to many Mercy Teams that come during the Field Service. We are blessed by them! Here are some photos of the Team House.

The Team House is situated inside the Swiss Consul compound and thus have access to a pool, tennis courts, and lovely grounds.

The entrance to the Team House.

This is inside the main living room of the Team House.

World Cup supporters all in the same boat...

The following is an article written to coincide with the Rugby World Cup happening in New Zealand. This story is reproduced here courtesy of the Mercy Ships Southern Africa office. Photos by Liz Cantu of the Africa Mercy Communications team.

Freetown, Sierra Leone. September 9th, 2011. It was a rowdy crowd of international crew that gathered to watch the Rugby World Cup kick-off. The volunteer crew members onboard the hospital ship Africa Mercy live and work closely together, but the gloves are off in good-natured but intense rivalry as soon as the rugby starts.

South Africans join fellow crew members from several other World Cup nations onboard the world’s largest non-governmental hospital ship, cheering for their teams - all thousands of miles from home, in West Africa.

A key element adding to the morale of the 450-strong volunteer crew, who spend ten months a year providing medical charity work in developing nations, is the ability to receive international television programming in developing nations’ ports. Courtesy of a satellite communication dish and decoder donated by a South African in 2006, the South Africans amongst the Mercy Ships crew are scouring the fixtures and zealously following the World Cup games.

Springboks’ supporter Murray Crawford from Cape Town is the Africa Mercy Assistant Purser. A passionate fan, Crawford comments, “For me, what’s so special about watching a rugby game on the Africa Mercy is that you really see the patriotism of the crew come out in a big way. We’ll don our rugby jerseys, get our national flags, paint our faces (if it’s a World Cup), sing our national anthems, and meet in the Midships Lounge to watch together. We may be from different countries, but we are all united in our appreciation of the skills and talents with which God has blessed the players. Of course, sometimes the results don’t go South Africa’s way, and this may include some jokes being sent my way (from the opposition supporters – there are a number of All Black and Wallaby supporters onboard), but it is all done in a spirit of friendship. We are, after all, united in our common purpose to serve God here. But despite this, I’m still hoping that South Africa wins the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand!”

Mr Crawford’s supervisor is a Wallabies devotee. Australian Tim Benson says, “I have never experienced what it is like to watch sport here on the ship anywhere else in the world. No matter what the sport, or the country playing, there pretty much always seems to be avid supporters wanting to cheer on their team. Some of my good friends and colleagues on the ship are South African and New Zealanders, but as soon as the rugby is on, it’s every man/woman for his/her country and everyone else is your 'enemy'. Through-out the game there is cheering and jeering, laughing and crying, but at the end of the day we are all friends again.”

Miriam Tillman from Christchurch, New Zealand, is the Africa Mercy Pharmacist. She particularly enjoys watching the rugby with the opposition supporters. “It is always great fun hassling the South Africans or Australians, especially when there are a few Kiwis around to back me up. Of course they manage to give back in kind. But in the end it is the score that really matters.”

As the TV channel is shared by the whole ship’s community, viewing the All Blacks games can be challenging. Ms. Tillman confesses, “I am planning on ‘stealing’ all my friends TV hours (we only get 4 hours a week each) to book out the channel for the whole World Cup. There will be many an early morning sitting in mid ships with my All Blacks shirt on.”

Mr. Crawford sums up the heart of the matter, “Being able to watch the games while serving in Sierra Leone (or any other West African nation) is such a blessing for the crew. It allows us to connect with our friends back home who are also watching the same game, at the same time. We can feel part of the millions of fans around the world who are linked by their common love for the sport of rugby.” The Springboks are the current Rugby World Champions.

Rainy Season...

So we are now at the very tail end of rainy season, but we have had some amazing storms over the last few months. And when these storms come, does it rain! We were driving home from Bunce Island back towards the end of July when the heavens opened and it poured down on us. As you can see from these photos, the road can quickly become inundated with fast-flowing water!

Negotiating the waterlogged roads of Freetown.

Anyone for some nice soggy leather furniture?

Two Years...

It was on this day, two years ago, that I arrived in Cotonou, Benin, to begin my long-term service with Mercy Ships. During these two years I have had the great privilege of serving the Lord in Benin, Tenerife, Togo, Ghana, South Africa, and Sierra Leone. I have even sailed into my hometown, Cape Town, and shown my family my floating home!



It has been quite the adventure and I am so thankful for this opportunity God has given me with Mercy Ships. My journey is far from over, and thanks must go to my amazing supporters who have given so much of themselves over the years to make this all possible. This journey that God is leading me on is just as much your journey as it is mine! All glory to God!

Standing on the dock in Cotonou, Benin, on the day I arrived back. 3rd September 2009.



Sailing into Cape Town, 13th February 2011.

Rugby World Cup 2011...

Next Friday (9th September 2011), the IRB Rugby World Cup kicks off in New Zealand. The world's biggest rugby tournament sees a total of 48 matches being played up until (and including) the final on 23rd October. Being a passionate South African sports supporter, I will be donning my South African rugby jersey and waving my flags, as the South African national team, the Springboks, look to defend their title as reigning World Champions. I won't be watching the World Cup alone, though. There are a number of ardent rugby fans represented on the ship - fans primarily from New Zealand, Australia, England, and South Africa. It'll be an amazing rugby spectacular - as long as the Sprinboks are crowned World Champions on 23rd October! :-p

Busiest week...

It's been a crazy last few weeks, but I can finally get back to my blogging! My time in the Purser's hot seat has been challenging, but good. I have certainly been stretched in many different ways, and the number one positive outcome from this time is that I have learned that I can actually do this role if I am called upon to do it.



This last week was perhaps one of my most challenging weeks. It all started on Monday afternoon when I was across the river at Lungi seeing the 15 departing crew check-in for their Brussels Airlines flight. I was at the airport having some passports re-stamped and I was also there to see a very good friend return to Mercy Ships.



I was able to do my Purser business and I was standing with Pastor Mark and Bridget when an overhead announcement was made that the incoming flight SN 225 from Brussels and Banjul was cancelled. A rock had hit the engine as the plane was taking off from Banjul to Freetown and they had to ground the plane. Long story short, our 15 departures had to head back to the ship that night and our arrivals - including my friend - were stranded in Banjul.



Having heard what had happened, I am so thankful that all on the plane in Banjul were all right. The plane was speeding along, about to take-off, when the incident occurred and could have been much worse, had they got even a little further down the runway. As it was, they were able to stop just before the very end of the tarmac. God was definitely watching over that plane! The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. (Deuteronomy 33: 27.)



We expected that the next day the flight would come again - after a technician was sent to fix the plane - but alas the plane was still deemed unsafe for flight and was grounded another night. This after we'd sent our departures across the river for a second time. They returned to the ship again in the early hours of Wednesday morning.



Wednesday saw many of our departing crew switch to British Midland International - which flies direct to London Heathrow. A small number remained with SN Brussels and the plane in Banjul was repaired and finally landed in the early hours of Thursday morning. I was there at the ferry terminal to meet the arrivals and my good friend, whose arrival at the ship had been delayed over two days. They were very happy to finally make it to the ship!



So that was my busy week - trying to liaise with Brussels Airlines and keep our crew aware of the very fluid situation we were facing. It was a challenge, but praise God it all worked out. And now that the Staff Purser is back from his vacation, I can breathe again and settle back into the role of Assistant Purser - phew!

Africa Mercy Independent Film Festival...

The Africa Mercy Independent Film Festival happened in the International Lounge last night. This event occurs once a year and crew members are encouraged to make short films for the occasion. These are then entered into the competition, evaluated by a panel of judges, and premiered before the whole crew. Awards are presented in the categories of Best Comedy, Best Choreography, Best Drama and Best Picture, to name but a few.



The film festival is also one of those few events on the ship where crew can dress up in their most formal attire. We do have some amazingly good-looking people here on the Mercy Ship! :-)



Us boys put an entry into the competition, So You Think You Can Dance - Sierra Leone, which is a Mercy Ships take on the classic TV show. It involved a cast of over twenty dancers, all dancing to different styles of music. It was really fun to make and we were extremely happy to take the Best Picture award!

Beau - our amazing MC for the night!



AMIFF 2011



The crew await the screening in the packed International Lounge.



The panel of judges gets introduced.



Our film took Best Picture - thanks to all who put in such amazing hard work!

The four Creative Consultants - Jeff, Me, Christoph and Nick - with our trophy.

With Jay - our Editor.

New month, new responsibility...

Apologies for the infrequent posting, but things have been really busy lately. The Purser left last Monday for a well-deserved break and I am filling in as the acting Staff Purser of the M/V Africa Mercy while he is on holiday.

I have spent most of my days down at our shipping agent working on clearance paperwork for our incoming containers, as well as signing for crew mail, and overseeing the Reception Team on the ship. I am also still retaining some of my Assistant Purser responsibilities, such as liaising with Pastor Mark and Bridget over at Lungi regarding the arrivals and departures.

This past Thursday I had my first Fire Drill as the first-in-charge of Muster Control and that, for the most part, went well. There were a few minor issues, but that is why we drill - so that we can learn from our mistakes. And, of course, be better prepared should a real emergency situation arise.

So that's a little slice of what I've been up to in my role on the ship this last week. Quite busy, but I am enjoying this opportunity that I have to gain some valuable experience for the future!

Another farewell...

Almost a week ago my friend Jamie, who had served in the Academy as a Summer Programme Assistant, left the Africa Mercy. It was very sad saying goodbye to her, but I am thankful for the time we had getting to know each other. I had some purser business to do at the airport, and so I was able to accompany the departures all the way across.

That's the one thing I'll never get comfortable with serving on Mercy Ships - the constant stream of farewells. But then again we aren't really called to lead a comfortable life as missionaries, are we?

The AFM is caught in a ray of light as the sun slips behind the clouds.

Sunset from Targrin Ferry Terminal.